Shingles or herpes zoster, triggered by a virus called varicella-zoster responsible for chickenpox, is a type of skin infection that causes rashes and painful blisters. After an individual has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their system. It can become active again, leading to shingles. Although the condition is not curable, timely diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate the symptoms. Treatment options for shingles Antiviral medicines for shingles Antiviral medications like Acyclovir can help control the rashes. However, it is essential to visit the doctor within 72 hours of the onset of the first symptoms. Shingles medicine for pain Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications work in reducing the pain caused by the illness. Ways to care for shingles at home The treatment for shingles can last anywhere between two and six weeks. The affected areas need to be cleaned and dried regularly. This is because sweat and moisture can exacerbate the symptoms. Taking cold showers or bathing with lukewarm water can help soothe the pain and itching caused by the rashes and blisters. Avoid bathing in hot water, as it can irritate the skin and cause dryness. That said, bathing in icy water is also not recommended. A few other home remedies to manage shingles include taking an oatmeal bath for around 15 minutes. One can also use a moist towel to alleviate the pain caused by rashes and blisters. However, it is vital to wipe the area clean. Calamine lotions help dry out the blisters and reduce the chances of the rash spreading. Manuka honey, known for reducing symptoms caused by viral infections, can also be used as a topical medication. Essential oils like geranium, tea tree, lavender, and lemongrass oils effectively reduce itching and pain. It is necessary to dilute these oils with another carrier oil, such as coconut oil, or water.

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a rare neurological disorder in which individuals experience involuntary and unusual movements in the mouth and the surrounding muscles. Some patients may also experience symptoms in the neck, arms, or legs. This disorder occurs as a result of prolonged usage of certain neuroleptics medication. These medicines are often prescribed to manage mental, neurological, or gastrointestinal disorders and are usually only prescribed for a shorter period of time. Tardive dyskinesia can be treated with the help of medication and certain natural vitamins and supplements. Some such vitamins and supplements and their natural sources are: Manganese When suffering from medication-induced tardive dyskinesia, the doctors may prescribe certain medicines that contain the appropriate amount of manganese. This condition can be prevented by ingesting at least 15 milligrams of manganese in a day, either through supplements or natural sources, such as nuts, soy, whole grains, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that is necessary for the smooth functioning of the body. This vitamin is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols) that act as antioxidants in the body. When an individual suffers from tardive dyskinesia, the doctor may advise them to consume vitamin E supplements daily. Foods that are rich sources of vitamin E include seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables, or vegetable oils. Ginkgo biloba One of the most commonly recommended natural remedies to help reverse tardive dyskinesia is Ginkgo biloba. This plant is incredibly rich in powerful antioxidants and is said to be quite effective in neurological and psychological disorders. Ginkgo biloba can also help in improving brain function and heart health. Moreover, it helps in reducing reduce anxiety and depression to some extent. Vitamin B6 Consuming vitamin B6 while undergoing treatment for tardive dyskinesia is quite helpful in reducing the overall symptoms to some extent.